This itinerary pairs the gorilla trek with Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo, the striking twin lakes sitting directly beside Volcanoes National Park — a genuinely different, lesser-visited alternative to the more commonly featured Lake Kivu, without adding significant travel time.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Your driver-guide meets you at Kigali International Airport for the drive straight to Kinigi, under two hours on well-maintained roads through Rwanda’s terraced hill country. Arrival by afternoon, the Virunga volcanoes in view, in time for an evening trekking briefing.
Arrive Kigali, Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation Options
BudgetKinigi Guest House
Mid-rangeMountain Gorilla View Lodge
LuxuryVirunga Lodge
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2
A 6am wake-up for the short drive to park headquarters, the 7am briefing opening with a performance by the Kinigi intore dancers before groups of up to eight are assigned to specific families, then the trek itself through increasingly misty forest, and the strict hour with your gorilla family.
Gorilla Trekking
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
A short drive to the shore of Lake Burera, one of the twin lakes sitting directly beside Volcanoes National Park, for a guided boat trip across to Lake Ruhondo with the Virunga volcanoes rising behind you across the water — a genuinely striking, lesser-visited alternative to Lake Kivu that needs no further transfer after the trek.
Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo Boat Excursion
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
A guided walk through the villages along the lakeshore, meeting local fishing communities who’ve worked these waters for generations, followed by free time at the lodge to relax.
Local Village Walk and Free Time
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
Checkout after breakfast for the drive back to Kigali, timed against your onward international flight.
Return to Kigali, Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Permits & Costs
| Gorilla trekking permit | $1,500 per person |
| Twin lakes boat excursion | Included in tour price |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Travellers who’ve done Lake Kivu before, or simply want a quieter, less-visited lakeside stop directly beside the trekking park rather than a further transfer.Tour Includes
- Travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Gorilla trekking permit
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- Boat excursion & village walk
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Visas
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance